2019 catcher Haleigh Karcher is a second generation softball player who has the grit and passion of her mother Heidi Karcher. Her mom played at Penn State and happens to be her club and high school coach. Spoken like a true parent coach,

I demand more of her than what other coaches want from her. - Heidi Karcher, mother of Haleigh

Haleigh can best be described as a student of the game whose game awareness and pitch calling skills have evolved over the years. Big Ten, Ivy League, CAA, and Atlantic 10 schools taken notice of her performance behind the plate and in the box.




Player: Haleigh Karcher
Position: Catcher/Outfielder
Grad Year: 2019
High School: Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania)
Club: Ohio Outlaws PA Premier 14U
Key Stats: Starting catcher for team that went 16-4, undefeated Section champs and ended up 4th in the Western Pennsylvania IAL
GPA: 4.0
College: Uncommitted
Pop Time: 1.85 sec (Recorded last winter)
Zepp Bat Speed: 87 mph (Recorded last summer)


What is the best part of softball in your opinion? I think the thrill of the game and my love for game is my favorite part and being with my teammates

You play volleyball as an outside hitter… how does each sport complement the other and how do the skills in each differ? Both sports combine work ethic along with a strong and determined mind set. You need to be strong to hit the ball in specific areas of the court and you need to be strong to drive the balls in the gaps. The difference is in volleyball there are more solo opportunities.

What’s been the highlight of your young softball career so far? Being the starting catcher on an undefeated section champs for the first time since 2005!

What’s it like playing for a softball coach who’s also your mom? Does it make it tougher or easier? Since my mom played collegiate softball, she is constantly pushing us to go further, and try harder, and to give her everything we have. That is tough and challenging but ultimately worthwhile in the end.

What was your first year of high school like both in softball and off the field? High school so far has been amazing. Our team had a long run into the playoffs and we were section champs. In the classroom I have learned so much different stuff with classes than in middle school.

Favorite pro sports team: Pirates, Steelers

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would go to Hawaii because it has beautiful landscapes and there are lots of things to explore.

What’s playing in your headphones/ear buds right now? I listen to a mix of things like rap, todays hits, throwback jams, and country.

What’s one thing unique or unusual about you few know? I sort my Skittles by color before I eat them.

Any hidden talents? I can play the violin.

If you were at a party and someone needed you to entertain the crowd, would you be more likely to tell a joke, sing a song, play an instrument or do something else? I would tell a story. Entertainment is my specialty.

If you were stranded on a deserted island for a year, what’s the one thing you’d have to have with you? A pot with utensils so I can cook.

Where are you in the recruiting process? Talking to coaches and unofficial visits to schools.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Even on the bad days, there is always something good.

Do you have a philosophy or favorite quote you live by? Yes, it is from Hank Aaron: "My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging."

Any superstitions or rituals you have around softball? Yes, I have certain routines that need to be repeated: hairstyle, selection of sliders etc.

Describe yourself in one word, one the field and off:
On the field: focused.
Off the field: realistic.